614-224-6446
Letter from JobsOhio
JobsOhio statewide business and community stakeholders,
Our country continues to face the sobering realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohio’s economy shifted from historically high levels of jobs in February 2020 to a dizzying free-fall of job loss and economic vertigo by April 2020. All of this happened in less than a month.
But some things haven’t changed – we are home to over 50 Fortune 1000 companies, many global operations centers, and hundreds of thousands of small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs). Ohio was and still is one of the most important economies in North America. We can and will bounce back.
OHIO POSITIONED TO LEAD
While many facts (particularly over 1 million of our fellow Ohioans filing for unemployment) create pessimism, there are two key elements of data that give us optimism during a covid economy. First, by taking precautions and maintaining social distancing, you helped the majority of Ohio reopen. And second, Ohio is positioned to lead as we transition beyond the responsible restart.
Like all times of crisis in this country’s history, our people have persevered. The same Ohio grit rings true today. We also have proved resourceful in the state’s ability to innovate and come together to produce an answer to the call.
Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Ohio has been recognized as one of the top states to respond to the pandemic. As a result, all eyes are on Ohio and now the state has a new opportunity. By leveraging the attention that the state earned, Ohio can continue to lead in the weeks, months and years ahead.
OHIO DELIVERS VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY
At JobsOhio, we have seen businesses maintain confidence in Ohio as the state’s value proposition has never been stronger. Ohio is low-cost compared to other states, close to customers and has a strong sense of community and partnership, which are important in these tough times. Ohio’s demonstrated responsiveness and responsibility give companies confidence that they can prosper in Ohio, even during uncertainty.
The pandemic has also ushered in a potential new era for American manufacturing. As companies look to reshore operations, the Midwest is at the forefront. With generations of manufacturing expertise, and the resources and workforce to power this resurgence, Ohio will play an important role in this movement.
OHIO NEEDS US – WHAT WE CAN DO
We have a long road ahead of us and there’s only one way to tackle it: together. We must be responsible and take precautions to keep businesses open and Ohio in recovery.
JobsOhio looks forward to Ohio’s future and we believe the state will emerge stronger than before. You will find more information regarding JobsOhio's COVID programs and our most recent economic impact report on our news page.
We are Ohioans. We are a family. And no matter what, we're #InThisTogetherOhio!
Very respectfully,
J.P. Nauseef
President and CEO
JobsOhio
JobsOhio Innovation Fund
JobsOhio has created the JobsOhio Innovation Fund – a new program to provide Ohio’s entrepreneurial businesses with resources to soften the near-term impact of COVID-19 at this critical time. JobsOhio will allocate up to $50 million total toward this fund, and partner with Ohio’s current network of venture investors to provide loans into highest priority innovative investor-backed companies during this time.
The creation of this fund is one of many ways to support Ohio's economic development at a time when it is needed the most. JobsOhio stays committed to its goal of accelerating growth and helping Ohio thrive now and well beyond this COVID economy.
Please click here for further information on the program, including company eligibility, or email innovationfund@jobsohio.com.
JobsOhio Rapid Deployment Initiative
In order to continue to be a value-add partner, JobsOhio has enhanced our incentive programs for existing JobsOhio client companies to allow for maximum flexibility and support during this unprecedented time. These adjustments will help address unexpected pandemic-related business costs, improve access to funds and an immediate limited waiver of compliance. Our team is in the process of reaching out to eligible companies.
Workforce Retention Loan Program
JobsOhio rapidly established the Workforce Retention Loan Program to provide qualifying JobsOhio client companies with financial support to help them to maintain employment levels during the COVID19 outbreak. Only JobsOhio existing client companies meeting certain defined criteria are eligible to participate, and JobsOhio has already notified the qualifying companies. The financing offered is an unsecured, forgivable, interest free loan allowing monthly draws to assist with payroll expense in support of employee retention. If the participating company retains its employees over a six-month period, the loan is eligible for forgiveness.
Submissions for the Workforce Retention Loan Program have now closed.
JobsOhio and Appalachian Growth Capital to Provide Southeast Ohio Businesses Capital Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
JobsOhio announced today that it has made a $2 million investment in Appalachian Growth Capital, LLC (AGC). JobsOhio’s assistance to Appalachian Growth Capital will boost its sustainability at a time when small businesses in the region need reliable capital and partnerships to move forward. Southeastern Ohio companies supported by AGC can be confident they will have lending support to sustain their businesses during this pandemic and to help them grow after it has passed. To read more, click here.
A Free Pair for Healthcare
Crocs, Inc., a global leader in casual footwear for women, men, and children, launched a new program called A Free Pair for Healthcare offering healthcare workers across the United State the opportunity to get a free pair of Crocs, making 7,000 available while supplies last. JobsOhio supported Crocs initiative by committing an additional 7,000 pairs to the effort. Thank you to our partners at the Dayton Development Coalition and Heidelberg Distributing Company for your support in accessing points of care in the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association. Healthcare workers can visit crocs.com/freeforhealthcare for more information.
One-Time Liquor Buy Back
Bar and restaurant owners affected by COVID-19 can return high proof liquor products purchased between February 12 – March 15, 2020. This opportunity is also extended to those with temporary (F2) permits for events scheduled between March 12 and April 6, 2020. If a business has questions about this program, they should reach out directly to the Liquor Enterprise Service Center (LESC) at 1(877)812-0013 or by emailing OhioLiquorInfo@Com.Ohio.gov.
On May 4, five payments were made to bars and restaurants for the liquor buy back program for a total of $9,000, making the total paid-to-date approximately $1.5 M.
Six-Month Deferral of Payment on JobsOhio Loans
Considering the significant impact COVID-19 has on the economy and business, and in an effort to support its borrowers, JobsOhio will be offering a 6-month deferral of payment of loans (no principal and no interest) for the nearly 50 companies that have executed loan agreements with JobsOhio. These are businesses that have committed to a total of 9,150 jobs and $521.7 million in payroll for the people of Ohio.
Community Support
Ohio companies across the state are pitching in to support their communities. For more of these uplifting stories, click here. You can also check out our social media channels for more.